Overview

The Cisco Aironet 1524SB Series Outdoor Mesh Access Point is a modular design that supports up to four radios: two 802.11a (5.4 to 5.8-GHz) radios for backhaul and access and one 802.11b/g (2.4-GHz) radio for access.

The project access point features include:

•Cisco IOS

•Dual backhaul

•Improved radio performance (5 levels of transmit power)

•High-gain antennas to maximize EIRP

•Fiber (SFP) and Gigabit Ethernet interfaces

•PoE-capable Ethernet ports for connecting peripheral devices

•LEDs for troubleshooting

•Ruggedized paintable enclosure

Purpose

This section provides basic safety, installation, and troubleshooting information pertaining to the 1524SB outdoor mesh access point. Specific information and procedures are contained in other user documents and are not covered here. See the "Additional Documentation" section for a list of additional documents you will need in order to install, configure, and troubleshoot the access point and mesh network.

Note The view must be identified when viewing an illustration in order to determine correct antenna port location. This section refers to a "radio side" view in some of the illustrations. The access point has two covers: a radio cover and a power/cable/fiber cover. The non-hinged cover is the radio side.

Antenna Compatibility

Table 1 identifies the antennas that can be used with the access point.

Table 1 Antenna Compatibility Chart

Part Number

Description

Gain (dBi)

AIR-ANT5180V-N

5-GHz compact omnidirectional

8

AIR-ANT58G10SSA-N

5-GHz sector

9.5

AIR-ANT2450V-N

2.4-GHz compact omnidirectional

5

AIR-ANT2480V-N

2.4-GHz omnidirectional

8

Figure 3 shows the antenna port numbers. Table 2 describes locations, antenna type, and antenna function. The antenna port numbers are labeled at the port as part of the chassis casting. Note that the hinges are to the rear of the access point chassis.

Figure 3 Antenna Port Locations (hinges to rear of chassis)

1

Antenna port 1

5

Hinges

2

Antenna port 2

6

Antenna port 5

3

Antenna port 3

7

Antenna port 6

4

Antenna port 4

Table 2 Antenna Port Functions and Type

Antenna Function#

Antenna Port 1

Antenna Port 2

Antenna Port 3

Antenna Port 4

Antenna Port 5

Antenna Port 6

3 Radio MAP

DL/UA-OMNI

NA-DIR

2.4 ACCTXRX

2.4 RX

2.4 RX

UL/DIR

3 Radio RAP

5.8 ACC-OMNI

NA-DIR

2.4 ACCTXRX

2.4 RX

2.4 RX

DL-OMNI

Key

ACC = Access

UA = Universal access

DIR = Directional Antenna

OMNI = Omnidirectional antenna

DL = Downlink 5-GHz

TXRX = Transmit and Receive

UL = Uplink 5-GHz

N/A = Not active

RX = Receive

BH = Backhaul

Installing the Access Point

Warnings

Translated versions of all safety warnings are available in the safety warning document that shipped with your access point or on Cisco.com. To browse to the document on Cisco.com, refer to the "Additional Documentation" section for instructions.

Warning IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONSThis warning symbol means danger. You are in a situation that could cause bodily injury. Before you work on any equipment, be aware of the hazards involved with electrical circuitry and be familiar with standard practices for preventing accidents. Use the statement number provided at the end of each warning to locate its translation in the translated safety warnings that accompanied this device. Statement 1071SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Warning Do not operate the unit near unshielded blasting caps or in an explosive environment unless the device has been modified to be especially qualified for such use. Statement 364

Warning This equipment must be externally grounded using a customer-supplied ground wire before power is applied. Contact the appropriate electrical inspection authority or an electrician if you are uncertain that suitable grounding is available. Statement 366

Warning Read the installation instructions before connecting the system to the power source. Statement 1004

Warning Ultimate disposal of this product should be handled according to all national laws and regulations. Statement 1040

Safety Information

Follow the guidelines in this section to ensure proper operation and safe use of the access point.

RF Exposure

This system has been evaluated for RF exposure for Humans in reference to the ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) limits. The minimum separation distance from the antenna to the user is 7.9 inches (20 centimeters).

Additional information on EMF / RF exposure is discussed in the Cisco white paper Wireless Systems and RF Safety Issues. The paper is on cisco.com at the following link:

Warning Do not work on the system or connect or disconnect cables during periods of lightning activity. Statement 1001

Warning Class 1 laser product. Statement 1008

Warning There is the danger of explosion if the battery is replaced incorrectly. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions. Statement 1015

Warning A readily accessible two-poled disconnect device must be incorporated in the fixed wiring. Statement 1022

Warning To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger telecommunication line cord. Statement 1023

Warning This unit might have more than one power supply connection. All connections must be removed to de-energize the unit. Statement 1028

Warning Only trained and qualified personnel should be allowed to install, replace, or service this equipment. Statement 1030

Warning Connect the unit only to DC power source that complies with the safety extra-low voltage (SELV) requirements in IEC 60950 based safety standards. Statement 1033

Warning When installing or replacing the unit, the ground connection must always be made first and disconnected last. Statement 1046.

Warning Do not locate the antenna near overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can come into contact with such circuits. When installing the antenna, take extreme care not to come into contact with such circuits, because they may cause serious injury or death. For proper installation and grounding of the antenna, please refer to national and local codes (for example, U.S.:NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Article 810, Canada: Canadian Electrical Code, Section 54). Statement 1052

Caution Before connecting or disconnecting a power cord, you must remove AC power from the power cord using a suitable service disconnect.

Installation Guidelines

Because the access point is a radio device, it is susceptible to common causes of interference that can reduce throughput and range. Follow these basic guidelines to ensure the best possible performance:

•Install the access point in an area where structures, trees, or hills do not obstruct radio signals to and from the access point.

•The access points can be installed at any height, but best throughput is achieved when all the access points are mounted at approximately the same height. We recommend installing the access points no higher than 40 feet (12.2 meters) to allow support for wireless clients on the ground in the immediate vicinity of the access point; for example, directly below the access point.

Note To calculate path loss and to determine how far apart to install access points, consult an RF planning expert.

Site Surveys

Every network application is a unique installation. Before installing multiple access points, you should perform a site survey to determine the optimum use of networking components and to maximize range, coverage, and network performance.

Consider the following operating and environmental conditions when performing a site survey:

•Data rates—Sensitivity and range are inversely proportional to data bit rates. The maximum radio range is achieved at the lowest workable data rate. A decrease in receiver sensitivity occurs as the radio data increases.

•Antenna type and placement—Proper antenna configuration is a critical factor in maximizing radio range. As a general rule, range increases in proportion to antenna height. However, do not place the antenna higher than necessary, because the extra height also increases potential interference from other unlicensed radio systems and decreases the wireless coverage from the ground.

•Physical environment—Clear or open areas provide better radio range than closed or filled areas.

•Obstructions—Physical obstructions such as buildings, trees, or hills can hinder performance of wireless devices. Avoid locating the devices in a location where there is an obstruction between the sending and receiving antennas.

Additional Documentation

The following documentation will help you install and configure the access point in your mesh network:

•Ensure that a DHCP server with Option 43 configured is reachable by your access points, or manually configure the controller information in the access point (for additional information, refer to Appendix F of the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series Outdoor Mesh Access Point Hardware Installation Guide.

•Become familiar with the access point installation components. Refer to Chapter 2 of the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series Outdoor Mesh Access Point Hardware Installation Guide.

Unpacking the Access Point

Follow these steps to unpack the access point:

Step 1 Open the shipping container and carefully remove the contents.

Step 2 Return all packing materials to the shipping container, and save it.

Step 3 Ensure that all items listed in "Package Contents" are included in the shipment. If any item is damaged or missing, notify your authorized Cisco sales representative.

Troubleshooting

The following basic troubleshooting information is provided in this section. Additional troubleshooting information is available in the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series Outdoor Mesh Access Point Hardware Installation Guide and in the support section on cisco.com.

Using the Reset Button

The access point has a reset button located on the bottom of the unit (see Figure 5). The reset button is recessed in a small hole that is sealed with a screw and a rubber gasket. The reset button can be used to perform these functions:

•Reset (power cycle) the access point—press the reset button for less than 10 seconds.The LEDs turn off for 5 seconds and then resume normal indication.

•Disable battery backup power—press the reset button for more than 10 seconds. The LEDs turn off for 5 seconds, turn back on for 5 seconds, then turn off and stay off.

Figure 5 Reset Button Location

1

Reset button

Removing and Replacing the Reset Button Cover

The access point reset button is recessed in a small hole, sealed with a Phillips screw cover and rubber gasket. To remove and replace the reset button cover, follow these steps:

Step 1 Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the reset button cover. Be careful not to lose the screw and rubber gasket.

Step 2 Use a straightened paper clip to perform the intended action (reset the access point or disable the battery).

Step 3 Replace the rubber gasket and start the reset button cover into the threaded hole.

Step 4 Use a Phillips screwdriver to tighten the cover to 22 to 24 in. lbs (2.49 to 2.71 Nm).

Obtaining Documentation, Support, and Security Guidelines

For information on obtaining documentation, obtaining support, providing documentation feedback, security guidelines, and also recommended aliases and general Cisco documents, see the monthly What's New in Cisco Product Documentation, which also lists all new and revised Cisco technical documentation, at:

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